Erythromycin
$0.43
Erythromycin is an antibiotic for chest, skin, ear and dental infections, and is often used by people allergic to penicillin.
Drug Information
9 reviews for Erythromycin
Erythromycin is one of the oldest antibiotics in the macrolide group. It has been used for many years for chest, skin, ear and dental infections.
It is often used by people who are allergic to penicillin, and it can also be used in pregnancy when a doctor thinks it is needed.
What is it used for?
- Chest and throat infections
- Skin infections and acne
- Ear and dental infections
- Some sexually transmitted infections, such as chlamydia
How does it work?
Erythromycin stops bacteria from making the proteins they need to grow. This stops the infection spreading so your body can clear it.
This information is written in simple words to help you understand this product. It does not replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist.
Read these points before you start. If any of them apply to you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist first.
- Do not take it if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this antibiotic or to a similar one.
- Antibiotics only work on infections caused by bacteria. They do not help colds, flu or most sore throats, which are caused by viruses.
- Take the whole course your doctor gives you, even if you feel better after a few days. Stopping early can let the infection come back and make germs harder to treat in the future.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breastfeeding.
- Never share your antibiotics or keep leftovers for another time.
- Tell your doctor if you have a heart rhythm problem (such as long QT syndrome), low potassium or magnesium, or take medicines that affect heart rhythm.
- Tell your doctor if you have liver problems or myasthenia gravis (a muscle weakness illness).
- Tell your doctor if you take a blood thinner such as warfarin, as your blood tests may need checking.
- Erythromycin reacts with many other medicines, including some cholesterol medicines (simvastatin), some heart medicines and some seizure medicines. Always check with your pharmacist first.
- Tell your doctor or pharmacist about every other medicine, vitamin or herbal product you use.
- Keep this product out of the reach and sight of children.
Like all medicines, Erythromycin can cause side effects, but not everybody gets them.
Common side effects
- Feeling sick (nausea) or being sick
- Diarrhoea or loose stools
- Stomach ache or indigestion
- Stomach cramps (this is more common with erythromycin than with other antibiotics)
These are usually mild and often get better as your body gets used to it. Tell your doctor if they bother you or do not go away.
Stop using it and get medical help straight away if you notice:
- Severe diarrhoea that is watery or has blood in it, even up to 2 months after you finish the medicine
- Signs of an allergic reaction, such as a rash, swelling of the face, lips or tongue, wheezing or trouble breathing
- A skin rash that blisters or peels, with fever and sore mouth or eyes
- A fast, pounding or uneven heartbeat, or fainting
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes, or dark urine
This is not a complete list. If you notice anything unusual, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
- Take it 2 to 4 times a day, spaced evenly, exactly as your doctor tells you.
- Swallow the tablet whole with water. Many types work best before food, but some can be taken with meals. Follow the pack or your pharmacist's advice.
- A common adult dose is 250 mg to 500 mg four times a day, or 500 mg to 1 g twice a day.
- Keep taking it until the course is finished.
If you miss a dose: Take it as soon as you remember. If it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed one and carry on as normal. Never take two doses at once to make up.
If you use too much: Contact your doctor, a poison control centre or your local emergency number straight away, even if you feel fine. Take the pack with you.
How to store it: Keep it in its original pack at room temperature (below 25°C / 77°F), away from heat, damp and direct sunlight. Do not use it after the expiry date.
- QWhy does Erythromycin give me stomach cramps?
- A
Erythromycin makes the gut muscles move more, which can cause cramps. Taking it with a small snack may help if your pack allows it.
- QCan I take Erythromycin if I am allergic to penicillin?
- A
Yes. Erythromycin is a common choice for people with a penicillin allergy.
- QCan I take Erythromycin while pregnant?
- A
It is sometimes used in pregnancy, but only when a doctor says it is needed. Always ask first.

Ines Patel –
I got a helpful reply when I asked about my order. The parcel reached me without any delays. Very satisfied with how it all went.
Raj Watson –
Tried this site for the first time and had a good experience. Ordering was straightforward from start to finish. It was wrapped well enough that I had no worry about damage. Great experience, I have already bookmarked the site.
Hamza Dubois –
Wanted to share my experience with this order. Everything I received was exactly what I ordered. Thank you, I will be ordering again.
Kabir Evans –
The Erythromycin I ordered came in a reasonable amount of time. I had a quick question and the support team replied fast. I am glad I tried this site.
Rafael Herrera –
I checked everything against my order and it was all correct. The cost was clearly shown before I paid, so no nasty surprises. Thanks for making Erythromycin so easy to order.
Alice Carter –
Found what I needed on this site without any trouble. My Erythromycin arrived on time, just as I expected.
Clara Karim –
Ordering from this site was easy. The right item came, and the label matched my order. And shipping was prompt and I got tracking updates along the way. Glad I went with this site for Erythromycin.
Ricardo Bhat –
I was a little nervous about ordering Erythromycin online, but it turned out fine. No confusing steps, just a simple checkout. Everything was packed carefully and nothing was damaged.
Tariq Turner –
I had no issues with what I received. It came well wrapped and in perfect condition. Overall very good, thanks.